Telstar International Scouts Celebrate 50th Anniversary; Construction Begins on Permanent Home

The Luxembourg-based Telstar International Scout Group has reported that it is celebrating its 50th anniversary on Friday 8 November 2024.

Established in 1974, Telstar has grown from a single Scout Section into one of Luxembourg's largest Scout groups, with over 250 members from diverse nationalities. The group has played a "key role in fostering international communication and promoting Scouting values" in the English-speaking community in the Grand Duchy.

As the group explained, it was founded in response to an influx of English-speaking families after the United Kingdom and Ireland joined the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1973, with many wanting Scouting, often because they had already been Scouts or Cubs. Language barriers influenced the decision not to join a local federation but to set up an English-speaking group. It was decided that although the group would form part of the UK Scout Association, using their training scheme and uniforms, it would be international and, as such, the group would meet under the World Scout Flag.

Telstar provided "a much-needed space" for young boys interested in Scouting. Over time, the Scout Troop expanded to include Cubs (in early 1975), Venture Scouts (now Explorer Scouts, in 1980) and Beavers (in 1986). In the early 1990s, girls were welcomed into the group.

As numbers have increased, finding a permanent meeting space has been a longstanding challenge for Telstar. The group has met in various locations over the years, from private homes to school halls; however, a permanent Scout Home is now under construction in Luxembourg-Hamm, with the support of the City of Luxembourg (Ville de Luxembourg - VdL), and the group said it hopes to be able to move into this new facility in 2025.

In 1985, Telstar joined the Fédération Nationale des Eclaireurs et Eclaireuses du Luxembourg (FNEL), "solidifying its position as a key player" in Luxembourg’s Scouting community. The group added that it continues to maintain its international identity while benefiting from its close relationship with FNEL; this year, it was decided that Telstar would exchange the UK Scout Association uniform for the FNEL uniform to further strengthen the bond, whilst remaining a full member of both organisations.

Originally members of British Scouts in Western Europe, the group is now part of British Scouting Overseas, Northern Europe District.

As Telstar’s members come from all over the world, access to training and programme materials in English is "essential". Telstar noted that its success is built on the dedication of its 78 adult volunteers, who provide "essential support" in various roles. Each year, "a significant number" of Telstar Explorer Scouts obtain their Mérite Jeunesse awards, which the group described as "a testimony to their Leaders' commitment".

With a waiting list and a growing demand for English-language Scouting in Luxembourg, Telstar is continually looking for new volunteers to join its team, either as Leaders or non-uniformed support in other roles, to help deliver quality programmes to its members.

Reflecting on its name, Telstar, inspired by the world's first active communications satellite, this "perfectly captures" the group's mission of promoting international understanding. The name received royal approval on 8 November 1976 (coincidentally on the second anniversary of the troop's first meeting) when Queen Elizabeth II, who was on a visit to Luxembourg, also visited the troop. She is said to have remarked: "How marvellous. I wish there were more like it".

To commemorate its 50th anniversary, Telstar will launch a new website and has planned a series of events, including a quiz night, a family bingo afternoon, a family camp and a 50km hike ending with a celebratory BBQ. The celebrations will culminate with a special Telstar's Got Talent event in November 2025.